Use of a new device for gasless endosurgery in a laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair ex vivo canine model: A pre‐clinical study

OBJECTIVES: To test the feasibility of a new device for gasless laparoscopy in providing working space for diaphragmatic hernia repair in an ex vivo canine model as a pre‐clinical study. STUDY DESIGN: Technical feasibility study. ANIMAL: Eight beagles and two greyhound cadavers (not client‐owned). METHODS: The new device was used for abdominal traction in gasless laparoscopic reconstruction of diaphragmatic hernias produced in dog cadavers. It consists of three main parts (vertical and horizontal rods, a three‐piece structure, and a 3D‐printed unit that incorporates slots for haemostatic forceps). Composite hernias (two incisions of about 4 cm) were closed by an intra‐corporeal suture [suture group (GS), n = 5] or by a central suture and a polypropylene mesh [mesh group (GM), n = 5]. Surgical steps were T1 (primary port access up to third port placement), T2 (defect development), and T3 (diaphragmatic reconstruction). Total surgical time (TT) was also recorded. RESULTS: The defect was successfully developed and reconstructed in all cadavers. To close the defect, 7.0 ± 0.7 crossed mattress sutures were required in the GS, and 15.2 ± 1.9 hernia staples and one intra‐corporal suture were used in the GM. T3 was longer (p = 0.0076) in GS (50.00 ± 16.46 min) than in GM (23.24 ± 5.25 min). TT was 87.22 ± 19.23 min in GS and 66.45 ± 6.38 min in GM (p = 0.0547). CONCLUSIONS: Gasless laparoscopic diaphragmatic hernia repair using the developed device is feasible in the canine cadaver model. Both suture and mesh graft techniques for experimental diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy can be performed using this new device in this pre‐clinical model. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This new device for gasless laparoscopy allows diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy by intra‐corporeal suture or mesh implantation in ex vivo canine model. The device demonstrates potential for future use in clinical cases.